The October 27 Archive currently contains 1333 objects and is regularly being expanded with more material. The archive includes flyers and programs from community gatherings held since the October 27 attack, a comprehensive collection of news coverage about the day of the event, oral history recordings reflecting a diverse array of experiences, and historical documentation about the Jewish experience in Western Pennsylvania.
You can view all the materials currently included in the archive using the browser below. Each object has been described and cataloged to help you discover materials, learn about these materials, understand the context in which these materials were created, and draw connections between different materials. You can refine the browsing experience using various filters, including creator, type, and subject. Some of these filters have already been used to create preset galleries, each organized around specific aspects of the archive. You can also look for specific words and phrase found in the archive using a keyword search.
Western Pennsylvanians share their life stories and reflect on the impact of an antisemitic attack in a beloved Jewish neighborhood.
Documentation of the October 27 attack as it was unfolding, told through news articles and oral histories.
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note is enclosed in an envelope with church letterhead, reading: "The Church at Severn Run: Love Well, Live Jesus, Believe Big!" The note inside contains prayers for healing and comfort. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Handwritten note written in black marker on white paper with the first names of the eleven victims of the October 27 attack. Creasing and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Letter from administrators and affiliated staff at The Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking at Elizabethtown College. The front of the letter is inscribed with letterhead from the The Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking at Elizabethtown College. Message reads: "Elizabethtown College's Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking shares our concerns and prayers for your community at this sad and difficult time.
Square card with white and yellow text against blue background. Card reads, "Mitzvah4Pittsburgh. Some spread darkness. We spread light. Choose a good deed. Choose a Mitzvah. Add light to the world," followed by four options and a place for respondents to list their name and email address. Some names and email addresses have been redacted for privacy.
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover features a tree with a heart in the leaves. Inside reads: "We stand with you :-) :-) :-)" and features a landscape with a tree in the center and the sun in the upper right corner. Back shows a tree with three five-pointed stars in the leaves.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. Written in Hebrew, the note contains an adaptation of the biblical verse in 1 Samuel 15:29. Translated into English, the message reads: "The Glory of Judah does not deceive or change His mind..." Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Page of typed text on white paper. Provides detailed descriptions of two recent Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence events.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "We wish you peace and love from NY. The Brodys."
Laminated prayer card with text of the "Prayer to Our Mother of Perpetual Help" on the reverse. The front side features a reproduction of a medieval-style icon of the Virgin and child against a gold backdrop. This prayer card has the imprimatur of the former archbishop of Boston, William Cardinal O'Connell (1859-1944).
Typed two-page letter addressed to the Tree of Life synagogue, families of victims, and survivors. Dated Sunday Nov. 4, 2018. The letter includes tributes from multiple individuals throughout western and central Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Beaver, Elk, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
Program from November 4, 2018 Sunday worship at Lincoln Place Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. The eleven victims of the October 27 attack were memorialized in the church's prayers and remembrances for those who had passed in the past year.
Folded card with crayon illustration. Cover features heart surrounded by circles and name Max. Interior reads "Things do get better. I am sorry for the 11 killed and their families. But the world's not over. How will you bounce back from the tragedy. You guys are really strong sticking through the tragedy." Second note reads. "We are with you! Michele."
19-paged saddle-stitched booklet. Includes note from current president, explaination of Reconstructionist Judaism, and history of Congregation Dor Hadash with reproduction of archival materials, Typed half-page booklet printed in color and staple-bound.
Black and white photograph showing Rabbi Herman Hailperin and Cantor Joseph Levin wearing Jewish religious regalia standing at the bima of a sanctuary. Bima is flanked by bouquets of white flowers.
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of seven children holding hands around a table with a large goblet and loaf of braided bread, and seven doves. The illustration is labeled: "We are people of God's peace." The inside reads: "We are all praying for you. None of this should happen. Stay strong."
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of a haloed dove flying in front of Noah's ark. The inside reads: "We will pray for you. We God guide you through. Love, your friend at Holy Angels Church." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Pages of typed text.
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note is enclosed in an envelope with church letterhead, reading: "The Church at Severn Run: Love Well, Live Jesus, Believe Big!" The note inside contains messages of love, unity, and blessings. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Blue card with the words "Stronger Than Hate" in the upper center and the Steelers' logo with a yellow Star of David below. The inside contains a message promising to: "resist hate with love and compassion for others" in memory of those who perished in the October 27 attack.
Terms of Use
The October 27 Archive collects responses to an antisemitic attack in Pittsburgh, Pa. on October 27, 2018. These responses take many forms but share a motivating impulse. Each began in the mind and heart of someone who was moved by the events of that day and was compelled to create something meaningful from that feeling. By sharing these responses, those people chose to be vulnerable for the sake of a greater good. The October 27 Archive website was launched with the belief that sharing these responses with the world can provide an avenue for people all over the world to reflect, learn, and heal.
By entering this website, you agree to honor the spirit in which these responses were created and in which they are being shared with the world.
The materials on this website are being made available exclusively for research purposes. For permission to use any of the materials on this website for any other purpose, please contact the archive. If you are the creator of any of the material on this website, and you would like to provide context or request to have something removed, please contact the archive. If you intend to reference any material found on this website, please attribute all citations to the Rauh Jewish Archives, so that other researchers can easily locate these materials in the future.